Sun and vintage fun at quirky fair

The sun shone for us again. How lucky can we be! The fair was a celebration of quintessential Englishness at its best. Visitors told us that we should communicate just how unique this fair has become.

It had a lovely old-fashioned family feel with many families picnicking by the beautiful lake.

Dogs were allowed in on leads and next year we are thinking of running a competition for the dog with the waggiest tail or the prettiest cravat!

The cream of the very best Sussex, Surrey and Kent small producers and makers were represented in our 130 stalls.

A huge range of food for picnics by the lake, willow products, jewellery, a cinema in a shepherds hut, a treehouse, a poetry peddlar, furry felted animals, furniture made from recycled wood, plants, a stall promoting our native insects and bats. An eclectic mix!

There was a chance to sample one of the new Knepp wildland safaris or have a cream tea in Splendid Occasions vintage tearoom while listening to Kerry Le Bern singing retro songs.

Mythago Morris performed, Threepenny Bit played and Jive 92 danced, while On That Note, a group of students from Chichester University sang barbershop style from the roof of the Knepp Clubhouse!

Home Front History came dressed in 1940’s style and next year we are calling for any visitors that enjoy dressing in retro style to do so please! On Sunday the (little red) Corvette club cruised in and caused a stir!

There were some beautiful classic cars on show too as we invited visitors to a small discount on their ticket if they came in a vintage car.

www.floralfringefair.co.uk will keep you informed about next year. Facebook Floral Fringe Fair has some lovely images of the fair.

Put next years date in your diary so you don’t miss this atmospheric and unique event! Dates for 2015 are the weekend of May 30 and 31 at Knepp Castle.

Report contributed by Jean Jackman of The Floral Fringe Fair. Pictures (above) by Lou Adams.